SHOULD WE WORSHIP JESUS? A BIBLICAL CASE FOR WORSHIP. Does the Bible tell us to worship Jesus? Explore scriptural proof that Jesus is divine and worthy of worship according to both the Gospels and Revelation.

 Should We Worship Jesus? A Biblical Response to a Common Question

One of the questions often raised by those who deny the full divinity of Jesus—such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and some unitarians—is this: "Where in the Bible does it say we should worship Jesus?" The argument suggests that because the Bible does not record God directly saying the words "Worship Jesus," then Christ should not be worshiped. But is this claim valid when we consider the whole counsel of Scripture?

In truth, the Bible presents overwhelming evidence—both implicitly and explicitly—that Jesus is not only divine, but is worthy of the same worship given to the Father. What follows is a biblical and theological response to this question.

1. Jesus Was Worshiped by His Disciples

Matthew 28:9 [WEB]: "As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him."

Matthew 28:17 [WEB]: "When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted."

Unlike Peter (Acts 10:25–26) or the angel in Revelation (Revelation 22:8–9), Jesus never rebukes those who worship Him. He receives their worship, confirming His divine identity.

2. God Commands the Angels to Worship Jesus

Hebrews 1:6 [WEB]: *"When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, 'Let all the angels of God worship him.'"

This is a direct command from God the Father that even angels are to worship the Son. This alone should be sufficient evidence that worship of Jesus is biblically sanctioned and divinely initiated.

3. Thomas Worshiped Jesus as "My Lord and My God"

John 20:28 [WEB]: *"Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'"

Jesus does not correct Thomas, as any godly being (including angels or prophets) would have if such praise were inappropriate. Instead, Jesus affirms Thomas's belief and pronounces a blessing on those who would believe in Him.

4. Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus

Philippians 2:10–11 [WEB]: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

This passage echoes Isaiah 45:23, where YHWH says, "To me every knee shall bow." Paul deliberately applies this divine language to Jesus, showing that worship directed to Christ glorifies the Father.

5. Jesus Is Worshiped in Heaven Alongside the Father

Revelation 5:12–14 [WEB]: "Saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!' I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!' The four living creatures said, 'Amen!' Then the elders fell down and worshiped."

The Lamb (Jesus) is worshiped in the same way as the Father. The scene does not present two objects of unequal veneration but rather joint, cosmic worship of God and the Lamb.

6. Worship Is Reserved for God Alone

Luke 4:8 [WEB]: *"Jesus answered him, 'Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only."'"

If Jesus were merely a created being or an exalted angel, then worshiping Him would violate this command. But the fact that worship is directed toward Jesus throughout the New Testament—and even commanded by the Father—means He must be fully divine.

7. The Greek Word “Proskuneō” and Its Meaning

Some argue that the Greek word proskuneō (often translated "worship") can simply mean "to bow" or "show respect." While this is true in some contexts, in the religious context of Scripture—especially post-resurrection—proskuneō is consistently used for divine worship (cf. Revelation 19:10, 22:8–9).

When proskuneō is applied to Jesus after His resurrection and in heaven, it is clearly worship of the highest kind.

Conclusion: Worshiping Jesus Is Biblical and Essential

The Bible may not contain the phrase "worship Jesus" as a direct command, but it shows:

• Jesus receiving and affirming worship

• God commanding angels to worship Him

• Jesus being called God by His disciples

• All creation worshiping Him in heaven

If Jesus is not to be worshiped, then the Bible is internally inconsistent, even blasphemous. But if He is God in the flesh, then worshiping Him is not only appropriate—it is required.

Therefore, the biblical response is clear:

Yes, we are to worship Jesus—because He is the Son of God, fully divine, the image of the invisible God, and the One through whom all things were created and redeemed.

"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood... to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:5–6 [WEB])